National Galleries of Scotland

The Holy Family rests during the Flight into Egypt, while angels provide refreshing fruit and spring water. The Christ Child blesses the infant St John the Baptist, whose reed cross is echoed by the wooden cross appearing in the miraculous vision above. Putti emerge from an opening in the clouds above the mountainous landscape, holding the instruments of Christ?s Passion: the cross and nails, and the column on which he is scourged. The smooth copper sheet on which this work is painted provided an ideal surface for Calvaert?s fluid style, enhancing the glowing colours and jewel-like finish.